Morning Sickness During Pregnancy: What Mums-to-be Should Know

At first, you're happy to finally see the two stripes on the pregnancy test – you're going to be a mother! But weeks into the first trimester, you're feeling nauseous, like the worst hangover you've experienced. You feel so uncomfortable all the time that you want to throw up. It's even worse when you're at work, wondering if you can make it through another meeting without running to the bathroom.

If this condition describes your experience in early pregnancy, you're likely experiencing morning sickness. To help you  through this challenging early period, let's take a closer look at what's happening to your body and how to manage these symptoms.

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness, also known as pregnancy sickness, is the term for the nausea and vomiting typically experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy. About two-thirds of pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom, which typically first appears around week four of pregnancy.

Despite its name, it does not only occur in the morning but at any time of day. Some women may feel sick at specific times, such as after meals, when tired, or when encountering strong smells.

Morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy and is usually mild to moderate. But in some cases, it can worsen, which leads to persistent vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration.

What causes morning sickness?

While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully known, it is likely to be related to the metabolic and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, such as:

• Low blood sugar

• Fatigue, stress, and anxiety

• Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen hormone

Additionally, there are some risk factors that increase your chance of experiencing pregnancy sickness. These include:

• It's your first pregnancy

• Having had morning sickness in a previous pregnancy

• There is a family history of pregnancy sickness

• You're having a multiple pregnancy (twins or more)

• You are overweight (your BMI is 30 or more)

• You have a history of migraine headaches or easily get motion sickness

• You used to feel sick when taking contraceptives containing oestrogen hormone

How long does morning sickness last?

Morning sickness can begin as early as the fourth week of pregnancy and usually peaks between weeks 9 and 12 before gradually improving. For most women, it resolves by the end of the first trimester, around 12 to 14 weeks.

However, it can sometimes occur during the second trimester, with some women experiencing nausea and vomiting for the entire duration of their pregnancy.

Are you experiencing these symptoms during your early pregnancy? Consult an obstetrician or gynaecologist, who can offer personalised advice and support to help manage pregnancy sickness. Schedule an appointment at Thomson Women's Clinic today.

What are symptoms of morning sickness?

The main symptoms of morning sickness are nausea and vomiting. The nausea can range from mild to severe, and it tends to worsen when you haven’t eaten in a while. Some women vomit frequently, while others only feel queasy without actually vomiting.

Other symptoms that often accompany morning sickness include:

• Food aversions, where you avoid food that you previously like

• Loss of appetite

• Sensitivity to smells, that can cause nausea

• Changes in taste

• Heartburn or reflux

• Fatigue and weakness

What can I do to reduce morning sickness?

Although there is no definitive treatment for morning sickness, there are some lifestyle changes you can try to help ease the symptoms. These include:

• Getting plenty of rest

• Avoid smells that make you feel sick

• Consuming vitamin B6 supplements (consult your doctor before consumption)

• Drinking ginger tea

• Wearing acupressure wristbands

• Eat dry toast or a plain biscuit in the morning

• If the smell of hot meals makes you feel sick, eat cold foods instead

• Drink regularly by sipping small amounts rather than large amounts at a time

• Eating small, frequent meals of bland, high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods (bread, white rice, crackers, pasta) instead of greasy, spicy, or strongly scented foods

If your pregnancy nausea and vomiting are severe and do not improve after making these lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe antiemetic drugs. These medications are typically used to treat allergies, but they are also effective at preventing nausea and are safe to take while pregnant.

However, the use of medications during pregnancy should be done under medical supervision. For further consultation about medication or other home remedies to help reduce morning sickness, consult a pregnancy specialist. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Women's Clinic today.

When should I see a doctor for morning sickness?

In most cases, it is relatively mild and can be managed at home. However, you should seek medical advice if your symptoms become severe or if you experience any of the following:

• Weight loss of more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight

• Feeling very weak or dizzy when standing up

• Experiencing nausea for several hours each day

• Uncontrollable vomiting throughout the day

• Unable to keep food or drinks down (anything you eat or drink comes straight back up)

• Experiencing severe dehydration, marked by having very dark-coloured urine or not having urinated in more than eight hours

These could be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a medical condition that can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. If you show signs of HG, you will need to see a doctor, who may give you IV fluids to restore your body fluids and prescribe medication to relieve your symptoms.

FAQ

What does pregnancy nausea feel like?

Nausea during pregnancy is a persistent, unsettled sensation in your stomach that can range from mild nausea to intense discomfort. It often involves aversions to foods you previously enjoyed and heightened sensitivity to smells that can instantly trigger nausea, as well as changes in taste. You may also experience increased saliva production, a heavy feeling in your stomach, or waves of discomfort throughout the day. It can be worsened by an empty stomach, strong odours (such as cooking smells or perfumes), fatigue, or stress.

How soon in pregnancy do you get morning sickness?

Does morning sickness worsen if you are having a girl?

Can you have morning sickness without vomiting?

Yes, it is very common to experience morning sickness without actually vomiting. Some women only experience nausea, which can manifest as a constant unsettled stomach, food aversions or sensitivity to smells – which still qualifies as morning sickness. Whether or not vomiting occurs does not mean that the pregnancy is any less healthy.

How can I stop morning sickness?

What causes nausea in the first trimester?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice,schedule an appointment at Thomson Women’s Clinic.